(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Highlanders ...................(0)0
Wanderers ......................(0)0
MANZINI – The dark clouds that gathered over the Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday afternoon were a fitting metaphor for the current state of Eswatini’s football ‘royalty’.
On a day where the ‘Big 3’ collectively faltered again, a grim goalless draw between Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers left both sets of supporters wondering when the slump will ever end.
For Wanderers, the word of the day was meant to be a turning point, yet they remain anchored to the basement of the MTN Premier League with a shocking tally of just eight points. Highlanders, meanwhile, continue to blow hot and cold, sitting precariously just five points above the drop zone.
Highlanders entered round 19 with a mounting casualty list following a chaotic Ingwenyama Cup clash that was abandoned deep into stoppage time. With Bonginkhosi Fakudze, Vusumuzi Vilakati and Siwakhile Shongwe already sidelined, the absence of suspended duo Delisa Gama and Sandile Ngcamphalala forced a reshuffle. Perhaps most surprisingly, crowd favourite S’phiwe Cele was relegated to the bench at kick-off.
Wanderers, desperate for their first win in 108 days, their last coming against Ubombo Sugar on November 13, 2025, turned to the league’s oldest ‘statesman’. At 44, Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko was handed a starting berth, tasked with inspiring a side that had failed to pick up a single point in 2026.
The encounter began as a cagey affair, with possession dominated in midfield, but neither Sisekelo Maseko nor Mario Jamine tested in the opening half-hour. Nature intervened in the 34th minute as play was suspended due to thunder and lightning.
After a nine-minute hiatus, the game sparked into life. Deep into first-half stoppage time, ‘Samba Jive’ proved his enduring class with a pinpoint cross for Olaide Bello. The import’s diving header looked destined for the net, only for goalkeeper Maseko to produce a stunning tip over the bar.
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